Calculating device



y 23, 1946- J. R. DESCH ET AL CALCULATING DEVICE 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 FiledMarch 21, 1942 r- A a C m/ o 9 Q n// 0 O y r d m u m w C m 3 U M a P 4 2o 5 a Z a 7 m m 0 W 3 joscph R. Desch and Robert E. Mumma Their Agongy y23, 1946- J. R. DESCH ET AL CALCULATING DEVICE 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 FiledMarch 21, 1942 HQ. 2 flenomma f/ona/ I 0/5 fr/ /ar jmrph R. Desch andRobert E. Mumma Inventors By W Their Attorney y 1946- J. R. DESCH ETALCALCULATING DEVICE 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed March 21, 1942 Jose h R. Beachand rt E. Mumma Inventon Their Attorney Patented July 23, 1946CALCULATING DEVICE Joseph R. Desch, Oakwood. and Robert E.

Momma, Dayton, Ohio, assignors to The National Cash Register Company,Dayton, Ohio, a corporation of Maryland Application March 21, 1942,Serial No. 435,740

21 Claims.

This invention relates to an electron tube calculatlng device and moreparticularly pertains to such a device for the ultra-rapid multiplyingof numbers, expressed in the binary system of numerical notation, by theuse or differentially controlled electron tubes.

The invention includes a product accumulator having electron tubesrepresenting the digits, which tubes are actuated by electric impulses,a diflerentially-controlled electri potential generator having electrontubes representing the digits comprising a multiplier, a differentiallycontrolled electric impulse generator having electron tubes representingthe digits of a multiplicand, and an electron tube impulse producer andswitching means to distribute the impulses produced under control of themultiplier and multiplicand units to the proper denominational orders ofthe product accumulator. The invention further includes certain manualcontrols for introducing the problems and for starting and resetting thedevices.

The disclosed device is based on a numerical notation having two digitsin each denominational order. which is known as the binary system ofnumerical notation. The digits are designated no (1-) Therefore it isthe principal object of this invention to provide an electron tubemultiplying machine in which the calculation i performed solely by theflow of electrons.

Another object of the invention is to provide a multiplying machinehaving no moving mechanical parts except for manual entry of theproblem.

Another object or the invention is to provide means for producingdenominationally-designawd impulses in groups which are distributed bystages to selected denominations oi an accumulator.

Another object of the invention is to provide an electron tubedenominational distributor, for denomination representing impulses,controlled iointly by a multiplier unit and a multiplicand unit.

Another object or the invention is to control an electron tubediflerential impulse generator to repeat its operation a certain numberof times automatically.

Another object of the invention is to provide means to multiply twobinary numbers by operating electron tubes difl'erentially andcyclically.

With these and incidental objects in view, the invention includescertain novel features of construction and combinations of elements, theessentials or which are set forth in appended claims and a preferredi'orm or embodiment or which unit.

Fig. 5 is a parallel table of binary notation and decimal notation.

In the binary system of numerical notation, there are but two digits,designated "0" and 1. The absence of data in a denomination isrepresented by "0," and the presence of a unit of data in a denominationis represented by "1." On the addition of another unit of data in adenomination having at that time a unit of data therein. there are areturn to the 0" condition 01' said denomination and a transier of oneunit into the next higher denominational order. The following examplesof additions of one unit at a time will give an understanding of thenumerical system.

Eauivslcnt 0 ecimal plus 1 notation equals 1-? -1 plus 1 nudism-2 -2plus 1 e usuT-Hnu plus 1 equals -2 plus 1 Multiplication in the binarysystem by partial products is accomplished in the same manner as in thedecimal system; for instance.

101 E5 in the decimal system; ll 8 in the decimal system equals E (us inthe decimal system, or n+2 +m+2o Bins-y Decimal 11001 ll Xllllll X2511001 25 11M 20' 11M 3 1 at 28 1001110001 25 25 It is seen, therefore,that in the binary system the entry or data into the product accumulatorneed be made on y once ior each denominational order or the multiplierand that. in substance, the multiplication of binary numbers is the sameby successive addition as it is by partial products.

The product accumulator The product accumulator (Fig. 1) as disclosedcomprises six denominational orders. Each of thedenominations isrepresented by two gaseous triode electron tubes, one tube representing"0 and the other tube representing 1." The tubes of a denomination arecoupled in such a manner that, when one tube of a pair commencesconducting, the other tube or the pair is caused to becomenon-conducting. The pairs or tubes, each pair or which forms adenomination. are arranged in a series 01' ascending value, so that,upon a tube representing "1 becoming non-conducting, a change or mode oroperation of the next higher denominational pair is brought about. Thescheme or data representation in the accumulator will be described. Thedenominations will be designated 2, 2 2', 2 2 and 2', so that theirdecimal equivalents may be easily followed. The tubes are represented bycircles. The "1 tube in the denomination 2 represented as conducting asan example, by being blackened, represents an accumulation oi 10000 inthe binary system or "16 (2') in the decimal system.

The zero condition 01 the accumulator is evidenced only when all the "0tubes are conducting, which event is brought about by a special control.

Each denominational pair of tubes in the product accumulator is providedwith input means y which actuating electric impulses are impressed onthe pair, such impulses originating by the difi'erential action ormultipiier-multiplicand units or by reason of the "1" tube of the nextlower denominational order becoming non-conducting.

Each impulse represents a unit or data and causes a change in the modeof operation or the electron tube pair upon which it is impressed.

The orders or the accumulator have data entered therein in sequence theentry 01 the multiplicsnd as multiplied by one digit of the multiplierbeing made denomination by denomination with the highest of theconcerned orders oi the accumulator. Thus, it the multipllcand "111 werebeing multiplied by the particular digit "1 representing thedenomination 2, the iirst entry would be made into the 2 denominationalorder of the accumulator, the second entry into the 2 denominationalorder, and

4 thethirdentryintotheQ'ordensaideni-riesking made successively. By thusarranging the successive entry oi data in the accumulator, in terierenceoi the multiplication impulses and the interdenominational transfer implses is positively avoided, and not dependent on timing.

The accumulator, although shown to but six denominations, may be made inany number 01' denominations.

It is seen by rei'crence to Fig. 1 that, there being sixjdenominationsin the product accumulator, it will accommodate in one operation theproduct obtained by multiplying a three-denominational-order binarynumber by a three-denominational-order binary number.

The gaseous triode electron tubes are or the type which has an internalvoltage drop, when conducting, of about 16 volts. The cathodes areindicated conventionally as being heated, and each is grounded foroperating potential through arcslstancelikercsistance l2. Atypicalsetolcircuit values will be given the circuit elements.

the 12, for example, being 15,000 ohms.

Theanodesoreachoithetubesaresuppliedwith 25 positive potential from alb-volt source ll. controlled by a switch II, which energizes a supplyconductor is common to all the tubes in the ac cumulator. From saidcommon supply conductor ll, each pair of tubes constituting a denominaggtional order is supplied through abranch conductor such as conductor iithrough a 3000-ohm resistor such as resistor ll, whose iunction is for aP p e to be described. Each of the cathodes is rurther coupled to groundthrough a capacitor like capacitor II, or .001 microtarad, and a seriesresistor, like resistor 10 of'2500 ohms,- the resistor ll beingintroduced ior prevention oi. oscillatory phenomena. Each rid is biasedfrom a negative source or potential 20 through a renstor like resistorIi 01' 120,000 ohms, a point like point 2!, a resistor like resistor 23of 500,000 ohms, a point like point :0, and a resistor like resistor 25or 50,000 oh'ms. Points like point 22 are also rounded through aresistor like resistor 20 oi 50,000 ohms. This gives each grid,normally, a controlling bias oi about 12 volts over the criticalPotential.

connect the grid oi an associated "0" tube to ground, so as to groundthe control grids oi all the zero tubes simultaneously to cause theproduct accumulator to represent zero by causing all the zero digittubes'to become conducting.

Assuming the product accumulator in more condition, the method ofcounting data therein will be described first by supposing a positivepotential impulsetobeintroducedthroughtheii inputtermlnal 20, saidimpulse being or such potential that, when it is impressed throughcapacitor 00, or 10 micro-microierads, through point It and resistor itonto the grid of the "1 digit tube or the 2" denominational order, itwill cause said digit tube to lire and become con anode oi said tube,due to the roaster thereupon drop in potential, as the temporarygrounding eiiect oi capacitor i0 holds the anode at that potential, suchanode potential being temporarily teiy 16 volts above the ground.Atthesame timasuchsnode dropinpotentialiscarriedbyconrluetorittotheanodeortuhs ii, which is in-a conductingcondition andwlmse cathode is maintained at a poliflve potential or mvolts, determined ducting. The

i1,"will byresistorl,of15,000ohms,hythedischargeof the capacitor 8!, sothat the anode of the tube Ii temporarily becomes more negative than thecathode, allowing the grid to resume control, whereupon the tube iibecomes extinguished. Thusthesingleimpulseiseountedinthefl'order of theproduct accumulator by leaving the "1" tube in a conducting condition.

Upon the introduction of. the second positive impulse through the 2terminal 2!, the 0 tube will be fired and become conducting, whereuponthe "1 tube will be extinguished, its grid resuming control. The rise inthe potential 0! the cathode of tube Ii, as it fires and becomesconducting, is impressed on conductor 32, through point 33, and throughcapacitors 34 and 15. causing the "1" tube of the 2 denominational orderoi the accumulator to tire and become conducting, thereby causing thezero tube of the same order to become extinguished. No matter which tubeof the succeeding order is conducting, because the interdenominationaltransfer impulse is impressed through both capacitors, such ascapacitors N and 35, it will always cause the non-conducting tube tofire and the conducting tube to become extinguished. The accumulator,after the supposed introduction of two impulses through terminal 29, nowshows an accumulation of two units of data, or, expressed otherwise,data representing 2 Data introduced over terminal 30 represents, foreach impulse, unit data of 2 as such an impulse introduced over terminalIt will actuate tubes 11 and III to change their mode oi operation fromwhat it then is, and to cause a transfer of data to actuate thesucceeding denominational order if such change in the mode of operationof the pair results in the zero tube becoming conducting. In the samemanner, a single impulse over the terminal Iii will introduce in theaccumulator a unit of data in the value of 2", an impulse on terminalill will introduce into the 2 denominational order a unit of data equalto 2 for each impulse, and an impulse on terminal ll will introduce dataequal in value to 2 for each impulse. The total capacity of thedisclosed accumulator as noted in the binary system is "111111." whichis "63 as noted in the decimal system. Since the maximum multiplicationaccomplished by the structure disclosed is "ill" by "111" in the binarysystem. which gives a product or "ll000l in the binary system (49 in thedecimal system), it is seen that the said accumulator is ample to takecare of any problem that can be set up in the three place multiplier andthe three place multiplicand units. The invention as disclosed permitsthe number of denominational orders to be increased indefinitely toaccommodate more denominations for carryover data or to accommodate alarger product.

The terminals 29, 88, I9, 40, and ll are connected to the denominationaldistributor or the generated impulses, as will be described. No inputterminal is furnished for the 2 denomination of the accumulator, as thatdenomination receives data only by denominational transfer.

The denominational distributor The denominational distributor (Fig. 2)relays and distributes impulses produced under joint control of themultiplier-multiplicand units to the product accumulator to actuate it.There are three input control conductors from the multiplier unit to thedenominational distributor, ending in terminals 50, s2, and I3,representing, respectively, the 2, 2 and 2 denominational orders of themultiplier. There are three input control conductors from themultiplicand unit to the denominational distributor, said conductorsending in terminals ill, II, and 0, representing. resp tively, the 2', 2and 2 denominational orders of the multiplicand unit.

These conductors convey certain potentials to the grids of nine gaseoustriode electron tubes. each being rendered conducting under control oiassociated portions of the multiplier and multiplicand units andthereafter having a self-extinguishing action. The combined influence ofa potential rise in a conductor from the multiplier unit and a potentialrise in a conductor of the multiplicand unit causes the firing or aparticular one of the nine self-extinguishing tubes of thedenominational distributor, creating a potential impulse which is routedto the proper denominaticnal order of the product accumulator to actuateit. The three input conductors of the multiplier combine with the threeinput conductors of the multiplicand to give nine possible results, eachof which is represented by one of the nine tubes of the distributor. Atypical problem will give an understanding oi the function 01 thedistributor. For example, multiply in the binary system "111" by "111."This problem will identify the function of each of the tubes in thedenominational distributor, as it provides a digit in every order ofevery stage of the multiplication. As has been said, the highest digitof the multiplier is first used, and therefore the problem may beexpressed in this manner:

2 2 2' 2! 2 2" (Denominational order) X l l l (multiplicand) -2'+2 +2' ll l (multiplier) -2'+2 +2' m 1 (second stage; -2 +2 --2 l l 1 (thirdstage i i-f It is seen that. in the first stage of the multiplication.the highest order multiplier digit is employed, which is, in thedenominational distributor, represented by the multiplier terminal Ill(Figs. 2 and 3). This terminal is connected to the grids of the gaseoustriodes ii, 52, and 53, whose cathodes are respectively connected to theproduct accumulator terminals 89, 40, and ll, leading to the productaccumulator banks (Fig. 1) representing 2, 2 and 2 Referring to thefirst stage or the multiplication, it is seen that a unit of data is tobe entered into each of the lastnamed denominational orders of theaccumulator. By impressing a positive potential on terminal 60 (Fig, 2)suflicient to relieve th bias on the grids of tubes ii, 52, and It to apoint just short of firing, each of the said tubes Ii, 52, and I! isprimed to be responsive by firing. If the grid of any one of the primedtubes is given a positive potential impulse by the multiplicand unit,through associated respective terminals 80, II, and 82. suflicient toovercom th relieved bias, such tube will fire and become conducting.Such multiplicand impulses are adjusted so as to be insumcient to firetubes or the denominational distributor which are not relieved of thefull bias potential. The cathode of a fired tube will rise in potential,due to the resistance in the cathode supply circuit, delivering apositive potential impulse to the associated one of the terminals It.40, and ii actuating the corresponding bank of the product accumulator.The cathode of the tube Ii (also connected to the cathodes of tubes BIand it) is connected to ground through resistor M of 50.000 ohms bymeans of conductors II and 00. The cathoderesistor ll is.commontotubesll andlhthe'cathodeoithetubell beingconnectedthereto conductorII. The cathode resistor is is connected alone to tube It. lllicondterminals a positive potential immusejin sequence, begin-- withterminal andending withterminal 02, for each stageoi the multiplication.In problems in which there isno mult p ying sh in a given denomination,no impube" i'onthat denomination reaches th distributor. 00;

e; 2,is coupledby conductor 00 to the lrldsoftubes II, 00, and I! eachthrough a capacitor like capacitor-0| of micro-microiarads. 'In the samemanner, the grids of the tubes 02, II, and I! are coupled, each througha capacitor, to the common conductor lloonnected to the terminal 0irepresenting the 2 denominational order of the multipllcand. and, in alike manner, each of the tubes II, II, and i2 is coupled, through acapacitor, to a conductor I0 con such as mt tired by first impulse beingimpressed on the terminal 4i,

the second on the terminal 00, and the third on he terminal 09.

After one of the tubes 01' the denominational distributor has fired andbecome conducting, it is self-extinguished by reason or the fact thatthe cathode and anode of each tube are each dynamicallv coupled toground, which tact, in conjunction with a resistance and capacitance inparallel in the cathode supply, and the distributed inductance in theanode-cathode circuit, causes an oscillatory rise in cathode potentialwhich over shoots th anode potential, extinguishing the tube. For tube03, for instance, the capacitor II or 100 micro-microiarads, theresistor 00 of 50,000 ohms in the cathode circuit, and the largecapacitor 16 coupling the common anode supply to ground constitute sucha self-extinguishing circuit. The tubes 02 and 04 are both served by theresistor 01 and the capacitor DI, the cathodes or both tubes beingconnected by conductor 00. a

In the same manner tor tubes 05, 00, and ii, whose cathodes areconnected by conductors and 00, the resistor 04 and the capacitor I0supli e relatively ply the self-extinguishing circuit elements. For athe tubes "and ii, the resistor 11 and the capacltor II serve the samepurpose by reason or the common conductor ll. The tube 12 is served bythe resistor 00 and the capacitor Ii. The cathoderesistors andcapacitors are thesamei'orall the distributor tubes.

Th operating potentials are supplied as follows: for the anodes, 76volts positive, and for the which normal potential, b

normal grid bias, 150 volts negative. This lid-volt negative supply isobtained by connec- V tion to e minal II. V

throughthetermineis Immoral t rize multiplier e negative lot grid. is

under which ac essi n-ma m sur ments we h itii'ethan 10 volts 'negativewith to thods, by vfrom the multiplicand causing such primed tubes toresistors 00 and 00 (Fig. 2) are or 500.000 ohms, respectively.Resistors; such as resistor 00 are oi 350.000

A switch ll isprovided to complete the anode uppl! jtoalltheselr-extinguishingtubes or the denominational distributor unit.7

a The multiplier unit a "I'he multiphrlil lg. 3) includes four gaseoustriodes, three oi them, I00, IN, and I02, represendin he denominationalorders 2=, 2 and 2 of the multiplier, the iourth tube, I00. being a stoptube. Thetubes' I00 to I00 are caused to be operated in sequence, thefirst of said tubes, tube momentarily closing a switch I, --whichgrounds the grid. The remaining tubesili, i0l,'and are calmed to becomeconducting in sequence in response to positive potential impulse signalsreceived through terminal III, which impulses are received from themilitlpliound unit (Fig. 4), as will be described. The anodes oi' thetubes of the multiplier are upplied, through theterminal ill, undercontrol 0! a switch ill, with '75 volts positive potential, thro h aresistor I00 0! 3,000 ohms and a common conductor I00.

The cathodes of cache: the tubes I00, ml, and iii! are grounded througha 15,000-obm resistor, resistor i in, in parallel with a capacitor oi.002 inlcrofarad, like capacitor iii, in series with a resistor-oi 2,500ohms, like resistor H2. The grids or each of the tubes Ill, I02, and I00are givennegative bias through the resultant sheet or onnection toterminal H3 or volts negativeiwith respect to ground, through a pointlike point ii], through a network 01' resistors, like resistors H0 (or00, Fig. 2, when key switch 2 is closedLiii, III, H1, H0, and iii oi thevalues 350,000 ohms, 200,000 ohms, 200,000'ohms, 300,000 ohms,500,000ohms, and 50,000 ohms, respectively. Points like point I50 are connectedto the cathode of the preceding tube oi the series at a pointlike pointI02, which is grounded through a resistor like resistor I20 of 15,000ohms. This gives the grids oi tubes I01, J02, and! a normal negativebias or 57 volts with'r'espeet to their cathodes, which is sufiicient toprevent the firing ot saidtubes, their cathodes being connected topoints like point 102 to give them a negative potential in the normalnon-conducting condition 01' 8 volts. The grid of tube I00 is given acontrolling negative bias oi. 150 volts with respect to ground by beingconnected to" point I through a 500,000-o1nn resistor I 00.. BasistorI0! is of $5 0,000 ohms instead of the'30.000 ohms stated ior othercorresponding resistors.

The closing oranyone or the keys 2*, 2 oril" (F1:- 3) adjusts th mes onthegrid or the easeoiated tube oi" the multiplier unit Bud,the'ihssoelated tubes of the horizontal row of natlonaldistributor, m kng the bias onitheffgrids or the tubes or the denominational distributor(Fig. 2) as are associated with th depressed closed key. about 59 voltsnegative. The consequent potential upon the grids or the multipliertubes of the next lower denominational order will be about 65 voltsnegative.

As the key switch I04 grounding the grid of the 2 tube I00, the tube Itires and becomes conducting, and the terminal 50 (if key 8| is on thelower contact), connected to the cathode of the I00 tube throughresistor I88, is given a potential rise of approximately 36 volts. whichresults in relieving the bias on the grids of the tubes SI, 52, and 53of the denominational distributor (Fig. 2) to approximately 23 voltsnegative.

When an impulse is impressed upon the terminal I (Fig. 3) from themultiplicand unit, it is thereby impressed upon the grids of the tubesIOI, I02, and I03 by means of a common conductor I22 and capacitors,such as capacitor I23 of micro-microfarads. As the grid of tube IN isconnected to point I24, it receives a positive elevation of potentialwhile the tube I00 is in conducting condition, which causes the grid oftube IOI to be relieved 0r primed so as to be more susceptible to filingthan the tube I02 or I03, and consequently the potential impulseimpressed on the terminal I05 is made of a value which discriminatesbetween the primed and the unprimed tubes, and fires tube IOI, whosegrid is connected to the cathode of an already conducting tube.Therefore, when tube I00 is conducting, only tube IOI will fire inresponse to an impulse from the multiplicand unit. When tube IOI fires,its cathode capacitor I25 of .002 microfarad will begin to charge, and,due to the common 3,000- ohm resistor I08 in the anode potential supplyline, a sudden drop in potential in the conductor I05 occurs, with aconsequent drop in the anode potential of the tube I00, which previousto that time has been within about 16 volts of the potential of itscathode. Such sudden drop in the potential of the anode of tube I00thereby extinguishes it, as its cathode potential is temporarilymaintained by the charge on capacitor I I I. Thi extinguishing of onetube upon the firing of a. second tube by causing its anode potential tobecome less than the cathode potential has been explained before inconnection with the product accumulator. It is seen that tubes IOI, I02,and I03 are caused to be fired step by step in sequence in response tothe positive potential impulses impressed upon the terminal I05 by themultiplicand unit.

The firing of the tube I03 is only to provide a negative potential atthe terminal I20, which negative potential is brought about by reason ofthe drop of the anode potential of tube I03 due to the resistance in itsanode supply. Such negative potential is impressed upon the multiplicandunit to stop the recycling operation of the multiplicand tubes, as willbe explained.

When tube I03 fires, capacitor I21 and resistor I28 together provide thecircuit function in extinguishing any other conducting tube whose anodeis given its potential by anode conductor I09, just as though thecapacitor and resistor were in the cathode supply circuit of tube I03.Therefore capacitor I2! is of the same value as capacitor III, andresistor I28 is of the same value as resistor I I0. The resistor in thecathode supply of tube I03 is an oscillation-suppressing resistor of2,500 ohms corresponding to resistor H2 having the same function fortube I00. By placing most of the resistance in the anode cirismomentarily closed, l

10 cult oi tube I03, a greater potential drop is available at terminalI2 0.

It is seen, therefore, that manually selected ones 01' terminals 50. 02,and 03 are caused to be given an elevation of potential, one afteranother, under control of the multiplicand unit, the keys like key 04being selecting keys for setting up the digits of the multiplier.

The multiplicand unit The multiplicand unit (Fig. 4) includes tubes 200,20I, 202, and 203 of the gaseous triode type, such as the, tubesheretofore considered. Tubes MI, 202, and 203 represent, respectively,2, 2, and 2. The tube 200 is an operation recycling control tube. Themultiplicand tubes are connected in a circuit whereby, upon initiationof an operation by firing the tube 203, the tubes 202, Mi, and 200 arecaused to fire automatically and become extinguished in that order insuccession. Recycling tube 200, upon firing, initiates the commencementof another sequential operation oi. the multiplicand unit by giving apositive potential elevation to the grid of the tube 203. When theterminal I26 (Figs. 3 and 4) receives the negative potential, due to thefiring of the stop" tube of the multiplier, as has been explained, therecycling impulse of the tube 200 is blocked and the recycling of thesequential operation of the tubes of the multiplicand ceases.

Terminal 205 is the source of a -volt positive anode supply potentialwhich is impressed on a. common conductor 205 when switch 201 is closed.A 3,000-ohm resistor 200 is included in the portion of said anode supplyconductor serving the tubes 200, "I, 202, and 203. Each of the cathodesof said tubes 200 to 203 inclusive is grounded through a 15,000-ohmresistor, such as resistor 209, in parallel with a capacitor andresistor in series, like capacitor 2I0 of .002 microfarad and likeresistor 2 of 2.500 ohms. Each of the grids, except as will be explainedfor tube 203, receives its biasing potential by being connected througha resistor oi 500.000 ohms, like resistor 2I2, a point, like point 2I3,a point, like point 282, and a resistor of 150.000 ohms, like resistor2I5, to a negative l50-volt supply conductor 2I'I. Points like point 2I3are grounded through a capacitor of 250 micro-microfarads, such ascapacitor 222. Each cathode is connected to a point like point 2I5through a resistor like resistor 2I0 of 75,000 ohms. Departing from therepeating pattern of the circuit elements of the multiplicand unit, theresistor H9 is of 150,000 ohms, the resistor 220 is of 50.000 ohms, theresistor MI is of 500,000 ohms, and the capacitor 230, coupled to thesource of positive potential, is 50 micro-microfarads. With the valuesof the circuit elements shown, upon the closing of the start switch 223,which connects the positive potential conductor 205 through capacitor230 to point 224 leading to the grid of the tube 203, representing 2 thegrid of said tube 203 is caused to become sufliciently positive to firesaid tube. and, upon said tube becoming conducting, point 225 rises inpotential, which potential is impressed through Po 236, P88151101 20Lpoint 202, point 2I3, and resistor 2I2 onto the grid of the tube 202,representing 2', which thereupon fires and becomes conducting. As tube202 is becoming fully conducting, capacitor 2I0 is charging, which, bylowering the potential of anode I225 due to the common resistor 208 inan anode supply circuit. lowers the potential of the anodes of tubes"R," 2. 2 and 2, which i the "stop" I 1 drop in potentialoi anode morethan 15 a recycling of the multiplicand at the time the "R" tube 200fires the third time, tube 103 (Fig. 3) is also caused to tube 200, dueto it firing. will not initiate the firing of tube 203 and a consequentrecycling of the multipiicand. This stops the operation of themuitipiicand unit. itor 222 are timing capacitors, oi 50micro-microfarads delays tial of the grid of tube 203 until the tentialarrives over to terminal impulse as the associated relay Tubes 23!, 240,and 2" are self 250,000 ohms to the l-volt negative supply conductor217. Points like point 252 are connected through a resistor likeresistor 2 to a terminal like terminal 255, which may be connected by akey switch like switch 256 to ground. These switches, when closed,ground the ternninal 285 and reduce the bias on the grid of theassociated relay tube. example, the closing of switch response to thepotenrise received at point 238 as tube 201 fires.

as fires. its cathode rises in potena positive impulse as the tubes 01'the multiplicandflreinsuccession.

It is apparent that, as far the invention is concerned, the

digit-representing tubes of the multiplicand unit. The tubes 289. 240,and 24!, being self-extinguished by reason of theirresistance-capacitance couplingto ground, pass on the impulses and areready for thing on the next cycle of operation or the multiplieand unit.

tiplicand keys are closed (Figs. 3 and 4), the key ID of the multiplier(Fig. 3) is closed, and finally the start key 223 (Fig. 4) is closed.Under mulator according to the following schedule:

In tter- In at ternais to m unis to distributor product the circuitelements that have The values for been presented in l3 candtubenotselectedisnotconveyedto thedenominational distribute Thereiore, nomatter what the size of the multiplier or the multiplicand, the timeconsumed in one multiplying op. eration is the same.

Instead of the method of selecting the digits of the multiplier and themultiplicand by key switches, wherein the control is located between themultiplier or the multiplicand and the denominational distributing unit,the. same results could be gotten by bridging the connections betweenthe multiplier tubes or the multiplicand tubes so as to cut out anyparticular tube not wanted in the sequence oi operation, or stopping theoperation of selected tubes in any manner.

A table of binary-decimal equivalents is given in Fig. 5 forconvenience.

While the form of the invention herein shown and described is admirablyadapted to iulflll the objects primarily stated. it is to be understoodthat it is not intended to confine the invention to the one form orembodiment herein disclosed, for it is susceptible oi embodiment invarious terms all coming within the scope oi the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:

1. In combination a plurality of electron tubes each representing adenomination of a multiplier so connected in a circuit that they areoperable one at a time in sequence in response to each of commonlyreceived electric impulses; and a second plurality of electron tubesarranged in a chain, each plurality representing a denomination of amultiplicand so connected in a circuit that conduction in one tuberenders the next tube in the chain conducting, said group beingconnected to said first group of tubes so that at the end of a completesequential cycle of operation of the multiplicand tubes a potentialimpulse is impressed upon the multiplier tubes to operate them a step inthe sequence,

2. In combination a plurality oi gaseous electron tubes, eachrepresenting a denomination of a multiplier, so connected in a circuitthat they are operable one at a time in sequence. in response to each oicommonly received electric impulses; and a second plurality oi gaseouselectron tubes arranged in a chain, each plurality representing adenomination of a multiplicand, so connected in a circuit thatconduction in one tube renders the next tube in the chain conducting,said group being connected to said first group of tubes so that at theend of a complete sequential cycle of operation of the multiplicandtubes, a potential impulse is impressed commonly upon the multipliertubes to operate them a step in the sequence.

3. In combination a plurality of electron tubes each representing adigit of a multiplier so connected in a circuit that they are operableone at a time in sequence in response to each of commonly receivedelectric impulses; a second plurality of electron tubes eachrepresenting a digit of a multiplicand so connected in a circuit thatthey are automatically rendered conductive in sequence and connected tosaid first group of tubes so that at the end of a cycle oi operation ofthe multiplicand tubes a Potential impulse is impressed upon themultiplier tubes; and an output circuit for each tube of the multiplierwhich circuit is given a rise in potential as the associated tubebecomes conducting.

4. In combination a, plurality of electron tubes representing digits ofa multiplier so connected in a circuit that they are operable one at atime insequenceinresponsetoeachotreceived electric impulses: a secondplurality of electron tubes representing the digits of a multiplicand soconnected in a circuit that they are automatically rendered conductivein sequence and connected to said nrst group of tubes so that at the endot a cycle of operation 0! the multiplicand tubes a potential impulse isimpressed upon the multiplier tubes; and means associated with eachmultiplicand tube which means is given an electric potential impulsewhen the associated tube becomes conductive.

5. In combination, a plurality oi gaseous electron tubes, eachrepresenting a digit oi a multiplier and connected in a circuit so theyare operable one at a time in sequence, in response to each of commonlyreceived electric impulses: means to render the first tube of thesequence operable; a second plurality oi! gaseous electron tubes, eachrepresenting a digit of a multiplicand, so connected in a circuit thatthey are automatically rendered operable in sequence and connected tosaid first group of tubes so that at the end of a cycle oi operation ofthe multiplicand tubes a potential impulse is impressed commonly uponthe multiplier tubes; means to start the sequential operation of themultiplicand tubes; an output circuit for each tube of the multipliertubes, each of which output circuits is given a rise in potential as theassociated tubes become conducting; and an output circuit for each 01'the multiplicand tubes. each of which circuits is given a rise inpotential as the associated multiplicand tube becomes conducting.

6. In combination, a plurality of gaseous electron tubes, eachrepresenting a digit oi a multiplier and so connected in a circuit thatthey are operable one at a time in sequence, in response to each ofcommonly received electric impulses; a second plurality of gaseouselectron tubes, each representing a digit of a multiplicand and soconnected in a circuit that they are automatically rendered conductivein sequence, and connected to said first group of tubes so that at theend of a cycle of operation 01' the multiplicand tubes a potentialimpulse is impressed commonly upon the multiplier tubes; an outputcircuit for each or the multiplier tubes, each oi which circuits isgiven a rise in potential as the associated tube becomes conducting; anoutput circuit for each of the multiplicand tubes. each of whichcircuits is given a rise in potential as the associated tube becomesconducting; and a means associated with each output circuit to connectsaid circuit with said tube and disconnect said circuit from said tubeas selectively determined.

7. A first plurality of electron tubes each tube representing a digit01' a multiplier; a second plurality of tubes each tube representing adigit of a multiplicand; means supplying operating energy to said tubes;means connecting the multiplicand tubes to cause said multiplicand tubesto automatically become conducting one at a time in sequence; meansconnecting the multiplier tubes to cause the multiplier tubes to becomeconducting one at a time in sequence; means coupling the first andsecond groups of tubes so that each step oi operation of the first groupis caused by the completion of a cycle of sequential operation of saidsecond group; output means for each of said tubes, said output meansbeing given a rise in potential each time the associated tube becomesconducting; selective means to determine whether any of said output menushould be given said rise in potential or not as the associated tubebecomesccnductlng; and a plurality or tubes connected in] groups. eachgroup representing an output meansol the multiplier tubes by which thegroup is controlledand connectedin other groups each oi which'representsthe output means of one of the multiplicanditubesr and connected inthird groupings, each ot'whioh represents the Joint control ofadigitrepr'esenting tube of the multiplier and a disitreprcsenting tubeof the multlplicand whose productis represented in the samedenomination. I

8. In combinationi-a' plurality oi electron tubes representingdenominations of a multiplier so connected in a circuit that they areoperable one at a time in sequence; iii-response to each of commonlyreceived electric impulses; a second plurality of electron tubesrepresenting the denominations 01' a multipli'cand so connected in acircuit that they are automatically rendered conducting in sequence, andconnected to said first group of tubes, so that at the end or a cycle01' operation of the multiplicand tubes a, potential impulse isimpressed upon the multiplier tubes: a plurality of means eachrepresentative of a d'git, said means including a plurality of electrontubes equal in number to the number-oi denominations in the multipliertimes the number of denominations in the multiplicand; and connectionsbetween the product representing tubes, a source of electric energy, andthe multiplier and multiplicand tubes. whereby any one of said producttubes is renderedconductlng by reason of the multiplicand tube andmultiplier tube whose prodnot it represents, being simultaneously in acon ducting condition.

9. In combination, a multiplier unit, including an electron tube foreach of a plurality of denominations, based on the binary system ofnumerical notation; a multipllcand unit, including an electron tube foreach oi'a plurality of denominations, based upon the binary system ofnumerical notation, and arecycling means; connections between the tubesof the multiplicand unit whereproduct of a multiplicand digit asmultiplied by a multiplier by the tubes are caused to become conductingone at a time in sequence automatically, said sequential' o erationbeing automatically repeated by the recycling means; couplings betweenthe multiplier' unit and the multiplicandunit; connections between thetubes 0! the multiplier whereby they are madeto become conducting one ata time in sequence, each step of the sequential operation being causedthrough said couplings by the completion or asequential cycle of themultiplicand operation; and means under control of the multiplier unitfor causing the multiplicand unit recycling'means' to cease its repcatopera-j V tions at the. conclusion "or one sequentialcycle ofoperational the'multiplier unit. r

10. In combinatiomna multiplier unitincluding anelectrohiiibc' ler eachof a plurality of denominationsxbased on the binary system of numericalnotation: a multiplicand unit including an electron tube for each of apluralityoi denominations based upon the binary system of numericalnotation, and a recycling means: connections between the tubes of themultipllcand unit whereby the tubes are caused to become conducting oneat a tlmein sequence, said sequential operation being automaticallyrepeatedby the recycling means; couplings between the multiplier unitand the multipllcand unit; connections between the tubes 01' themultiplier unit whereby they are made to become conducting one at a timein sequence, each step of the sequential operation being caused throughsaid couplings by the recycling means or the multipllcand unit on thecompletion of a cycle of said multlplicand unit; means under control orthe multiplier unit for causing the multiplicand unit recycling means tocease its operation at the conclusion oi one sequential cycle ofoperation or the multiplier unit; an output conductor for each tube oithe multipller unit which output conductor is connected to an electrodeof the associated tubes so as to receive an electric potential rise assuch tube is operated; an output conductor for each tube of i themultiplicand unit so connected to an electrode 01 the associated tubethat such tube is given an electric potential rise as the associatedtube is operated; controls whereby to start the operation of themultiplier units and the multiplicand units: a plurality of responsivemeans. each of which is associated with an output conductor of themuleach associated with one or more or the responsive means. whichconductors are given an electric potential change nearly one of theresponsive means with which they are associated responds.

11. In combination, a multiplier unit, including an electron tube foreach 01' a plurality of denominations based on the binary system ofnumerical notation; a multiplicand unit including an electron tube foreach of a plurality of denominations based on the binary system ofnumerical notation, and a cycling means; connections between the tubes01 the multipllcand unit whereby the tubes are caused to becomeconducting one at a time in sequence, said sequential operation beingautomatically repeated by the recycling means; couplings between themultiplier unit and the multlplicand unit; connections betweenthe tubesof the multiplier unit whereby they are made to become conducting one ata time in sequence, each step of the sequential operation being causedthrough said couplings by the recycling means upon completion of thesequential cycle of operation oi the multiplicand unit means undercontrol oi the multiplier unit operated; an output conductor for eachtube 01" the multiplicand unit so connected to an electrode oi theassociated tube that each conductor is given a change in electricpotential as the associated tube is operated: a plurality of means, eachof which is associated with a conductor oi the multiplier unit and oneor the conductors of the multiplicand unit so as to respond when theassociated conductors receive their potential change at the same tim aplurality of conductors each associated with one or more of theresponsive means and each having a designated numerical value. whichconductors are given an electric potential impulse as any one oi theresponsive means with which they are associated and an accumulator ofdata havin denominational orders based upon the binary system ofnumerical notation. which is actuated by the changes of potential theconductors associated with the responsive means, said conductors and thedenominational orders of the accumulator being so connected that theaccumulator is actuated to have data entered therein corresponding tothe product represented by multiplying the value oi the multiplicandtubes by the value of the multiplier tubes.

12. In combination, a multiplier unit, including an electron tube foreach of a plurality oi. denominations based on the binary system ornumerical notation; a multiplicand unit including an electron tube foreach of a plurality of denominations based on the binary system oinumerical notation and a recycling means; conneetions between the tubes01 the multiplicand unit whereby the tubes are caused to becomeconducting one at a time in sequence. said sequential operation beingautomatically repeated by the recycling means; couplings between themultiplier unit and the multiplicand unit; connections between the tubesof the multiplier unit whereby they are made to become conducting one ata time in sequence, each step of the sequential operation being causedthrough the couplings by the recycling means upon completion of thesequential cycle oi operation of the multiplicand unit; means undercontrol 01' the multiplier unit for causing the multiplicand unit tocease its repeat operation at the conclusion of one sequential cycle oroperation of the multiplier unit; controls whereby to start theoperation of the multiplier unit and the multiplicand unit; an outputconductor for each tube of the multiplier unit, which output conductoris connected to an electrode of the associated tube so as to receive achange in electric potential as each tube is operated: an putputconductor for each tube of the multiplicand unit so connected to anelectrode oi. the associated tube that each conductor is given a changein electric potential as the associa tube is operated; a plurality ofmeans, each oi which is associated with a conductor of the multiplierunit and one of the conductors of the multiplicand unit so as to respondwhen the associated conductors receive their potential change at thesame time; a plurality of conductors each associated with one or more ofthe responsive means and each having a designated numerical value, whichconductors are given an electric potential impulse as any one oi theresponsive means with which they are associated responds; an accumulatorof data having denominational orders based upon the binary system ofnumerical notation, which is actuated by the changes of potential of theconductors associated with the responsive means, said conductors and thedenominational orders oi the accumulator being so connected that theaccumulator is actuated to have data entered therein corresponding tothe product represented by multiplying the value of the multiplicandtubes by the value of the multiplier tubes; and manipulative means toselect which 01' the multiplicand tubes and which of the multipliertubes when operative shall impress a potential change upon theassociated responsive means.

13. In combination a plurality of electron tubes each representing adigit: connections between the tubes whereby they may be made conductingone at a time in sequence, each step oi the sequence being in responseto an electric impulse commonly impressed upon all the tubes; 9. secondplurality of electron tubes divided into groups, each group beingassociated with one of the tubes at the iirst named plurality; meanscommon to the tubes of a group normally rendering the tubes inoperative;and connections between a tube oi the first plurality and associatedgroup whereby when said tube of the first plurality i; operated itprepares for operation all the tubes 0! the group with which it isassociated.

14. In combination, a product accumulator actuable by electric impulses;a multiplier unit including a plurality oi electron discharge tubes.each of said tubes representing a denomination in the binary system oinumerical notation; a. multiplicand unit including a plurality oielectron discharge tubes, each oi said tubes representing a denominationin the binary system of numerical notation; a plurality oi. means forentering data into the several denominations of the accumulator; aplurality of electron tubes, each of which produces an electric impulsewhen actuated by operation 0! a tube of the multiplier unit inconjunction with the operation of a tube 0! the multiplicand unit at thesame time; and means connecting one or more oi the electric im pulseproducing tubes to an associated one of the data entering means so thatwhen one of the tubes associated with the data entering means is causedto produce an impulse by reason of the associated multiplier andmultiplicand tubes being actuated, data is entered into the properdenomination of the accumulator to represent the product of the value ofsaid multiplicand tube asbemultiplied by the value of said multiplier tu15. In combination, an accumulator of data having denominational ordersbased on the binary numerical notation; a plurality oi electron tubesequal in number to the number of denominations in a multiplier asmultiplied by the number or denominations in a, multiplicand; amultiplier unit based upon the binary system of numerical notation, saidunit including a gaseous electron tube for each denomination oi themultiplier, including means connecting the tubes 50 they may be causedto operate in sequence in response to commonly received electricimpulses, including an output conductor for each tube having impressedthereon electric potential changes as the associated tube is renderedconducting, said output conductcrs having selectin means includedtherein to connect or disconnect the conductor with or from theassociated tube; a multiplicand unit, including a plurality of electrondischarge tubes connected so they are operated one at a time in sequenceautomatically, said multiplicand unit including an output conductor foreach tube, which is impressed with an electric potential change as theassociated tube is operated, including selective means whereby eachoutput conductor may be connected with or disconnected from saidassociated multiplicand tube so as to determine whether a potentialchange shall be produced on said conductor, means to cause the sequenceof operation to be repeated, said means also causing a. step ofoperation or the multiplier unit, and means controlled by completion ofoperation of the multiplier unit Ior disabling the repeating means ofthe multiplicand unit; and means for operating the tubes of the firstmentioned plurality of tubes under joint control oi the combined outputmeans of the multiplier unit and the multiplicand unit so as to operatea. selected one of said tubes 2,404,001 19 20whsnacsstainonsoithemultiplicsndunitoutlatorotnumerlcaldatabasedonthebinarysysputconduetorsrccsivesapotentialchangoattemcd'notatiomactuatedbyelectricimpulsesinthssamstimsaccrtainoneotthsoutputoomtroduced intotheseveraldenominationsznndoctors of the multiplier lmitreceives a potenpulsemeans tor actuating the accu-,tialchangatheoperatedtubeoitheiilstplumulatonincludingapluraiityorelectrcntubesrality having an output conductor leading to the equal in number to thenumber of denominapmpcr denomination oi the accumulator-so as to tionsor a multiplier times the number or deenter therein the product datarepresented by nominations of a multiplicand, each oi said tubesmultiplying the value or the lssociated multipiibeing supplied withoperating energy and concandtuhsbythevalueorthemultinectedsoastosupplyanimpulsetothepr per plier tube. denominationoi the accumulator when acted up- 16. In combination, an accumulator otnumeron coniointiy by a digit-representing device or ical data based onthe binary system oi numerthe multiplier and a digit-representing deviceicai notation, including denominational maps of of the multiplies-mlwhose product such tube repeiectron tubes. the tubes representing thedigits resents; an electronic multiplier unit based on in thedenomination, said accumulator being acthe binary system oi numericalnotation, includtuated by electric potential hances introduced ing atube for each denominational order oi the thereto by d orders or betweendemultiplier; a multiplicand unit based on the biorders; dataintroducing means nary system or numerical notation, there being 0! aplurality of electrical cond ctors an electron tube for eachdenomination of the each representing a denomination of the accmultiplicand; connections between the multim lfl r to the prod ct 0! alsi plier tubes and the impulse-producing tubes: or a multidenminatiimal num er m mlfller by connections between the multiplicandtubes and a disit of a m tiden ina o ei 1m multlthe impulse-producingtubes; and connections pncand; and m ns to app y a Potential v betweenthe multiplier tubes and the multiplition to y su c n or y s s co tecand tubes whereby each tube or the multiplier thereto an electrode or athyratron onnect d in unit is rendered conductin in conjunction with a8811 fl m s m- 1i 119M118 each tube in the multiplioand unit to controlthe d moted numerical value or the dcnominacorresponding tube of theimpulse-producer. tion of the accumulator represented by the con- 20. Incombination, a denominational accud flr: n e l l 8 representing mulatorof numerical data based on the binary mul ilfllcr selecting means anddenominational system of notation, actuated by electric impulses 6181b MM 8 multipliclmd Selecting means introduced into the denominations;impulse proto comm] 51d m t selectively whereby ducing means foractuating the accumulator, in- 6 m "P 8 the Product 0! the eluding aplurality of electron tubes equal in selected multiplier n m y 8Selected nurnber to the number of denominations of a 91mm number arecaused to bemme active in multiplier times the number of denominationsoi denomlnaliional Beqlleme. t1m8 giving. the input a multiplicand, eachoi said tubes being supconductors a potential change to enter productplied with operating energy and connected so dam into the Wawras tosupply an impulse to the proper denominan 60111793181301! plurality ofelectmmc tion of the accumulator when acted upon conrelays ha119818111111 Product Values. 831d jointly by a digit-representing deviceof the mul- 1535 being selectively mntmned Jointly by tlplier and adigit-representing device of the D unit and a mumpnmd each unitmultlplicand. whose product such tube repre- B divided mmdenmnmaflonseach may sents; an electronic multiplier unit, based on the1115 Emma-ted with one denomination in each binary system 01 numericalnotation, including a means to issue mammal Variations tube for eachdenominational order of the multhe multiplicmd demmmamn by denomjtiplier; a multiplicand unit based on the binary nation and to Impressthem upon the associated system of numerical notation, including anelecones of the relay devices to control them; means "on tube for eachdenomination of the m to issue potential Variation? from the multipliercal-id; connections between the multiplier tubes dencmmauon by demmmatmnand impress and the impulse-producing tubes; connections them upon theassociated ones Of the relay between the multiplicand tubes and theimpulse vices, said multipiicand unit and multiplier unit producingtubes; connections between the mul- Pimmtial variations being timed acthint]? at tiplier tubes and the multiplicand tubes wherediscretc periodsto render the associated prod by each tube in the multiplier unit isrendered i m f g z eflecflve to represent the conducting in conjunctionwith each tube in the a e P multiplicand unit to conjointly affect thecor- In multiplying device wherein the responding tube in theimpulse-producer; and mention is performed in stages each under meansfor selecting which digit tubes of the mulcontml M demmmatmn of amultiplierthe tiplier unit and the multiplicand unit shall actcombination of a plurality of groups of self-recnjolnfly Setting 816cm"discharge tube 1518, each 21. In combination, a multiplier unit, includ-P representing a stage multiplication and ins a gaseous electrondischarge tube for each each tube in the group representing adenomination of a. multiplier based on the binary nomination themultiplicandi conductor system of numerical notation, each of said tubescontrolling each Bmup controlled by a multiplier including an anode, acathode, and a control unit; a multiplicand unit and including aelectrode: means supplying operating energy to ductoi for eachdenomination of the each of said tubes: means for applying a nomal- 5nd.w i h cenducmlfl are coupled Jointly with ly controlling potential onsaid control grids; the conductors from the multiplier 5 the elecmeansto connect the tubes so they are rendered tron tubes for determiningwhich oi the relay conducting one at a time in sequence in responsetubes shall come cfln iv to represent P to electric impulses commonlyreceived by all but not data. the first tube applied to the controlgrids, the 19. In combination. a denomination m T conductivity oi apreceding tube of the sequence priming the grid of the succeeding tubeof the sequence so as to be responsive to the next impulse; means tocause conduction in the first tube of the sequence; means including aresistance in the cathode supply circuit for each tube for causing apotential rise in the cathode as a tube becomes conducting; meansconnected to said cathodes of all but the last tube receiving anelectric impulse each time the associated tube is rendered conducting; amultiplicand unit, including a plurality of electron discharge tubes.each representing a denomination in the binary system of numericalnotation, each of said tubes including an anode, a cathode and a controlgrid; means for applying operating energy to the anode-cathode circuitsof said tube; means to apply a normally controlling bias to the grid ofsaid tubes to prevent conduction therein; means connecting the tubes sothey are caused to become conducting one at a time in sequenceautomatically; means to start conduction in the first tube of thesequence; means to recycle the multiplicand tubes so they may be causedto automatically repeat their operation in sequence, said recyclingmeans impressing an impulse upon grids of all but the first of the tubesoi the multiplier unit to cause a step of operation therein; meansrendered efiective at the completion of the sequential operation of themultiplier tubes to render the recycling means of the multiplicand tubesineffective; means including a resistor in the cathode supply of eachtube of the multiplier unit to cause a potential rise in the cathode asthe tube becomes conductiim; an output conductor connected with thecathode of each tube of the multiplicand unit except the last; aplurality of selfextinguishing gaseous triode electron discharge tubes,each of said self-extinguishing tubes representing the product oi one ofthe digits of the multiplier by one of the digits of the multiplicand,and said number of sell-extinguishing tubes equalling the product of thenumber of multiplier denominations by the number of multiplicanddenominations; means normally supplying a controlling potential bias tosaid seliextinguishing tubes toprevent conduction there- -nary numericalaccumulator, all

in; means connecting the output conductor for each denomination of themultiplier with the sell-extinguishing tubes whose designated productincludes that digit of the multiplier as a. factor, whereby when saidmultiplier tube is in a conducting condition, the controlling bias uponthe control grids of those corresponding sell-extinguishing tubes isreduced; means connecting the output conductors of the multiplicand unitto those sell-extinguishing tubes whose designated product includes thatdigit as a factor to give said tubes an impulse whereby to destroy thecontrolling bias on any associated tube which has had its potentialreduced by connection to a conducting multiplier tube; a plurality ofconductors, each representing a denomination of a biot theself-extinguishing tubes whose value is the value of the conductor beingconnected thereto and delivering thereto an electric impulse upon thedischarge of any of said connected self-extinguishing tubes; anelectronic product accumulator of numerical data based on the binarysystem of numerical notation, each denomination oi which includes twoelectron discharge tubes connected for alternate operation so that anelectric impulse impressed commonly thereon will cause the tube of thedenomination to become extinguished and the non-conducting tube of thedenomination to become conducting; means connecting each conductor fromthe self-extinguishing tubes to the corresponding denomination tubes ofthe product accumulator so that when any impulse is received by saidconductor it will change the mode of operation of the correspondingdenominational tubes; and means interconnecting the denominations oi theaccumulator whereby when the denomination having had entered therein itsfull capacity of data receives another impulse from the associatedselfextingulshing tubes, the denomination will 'return to zero and in sodoing impresses an impulse on the next higher denomination so as toenter therein a unit of data.

' JOSEPH R. DESCH.

ROBERT E.

Certificate of Correction JOSEPH R. .DESCH, ET AL.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specificationof the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Column 16,line 38, claim 11, for the word cycling read recycling; and that thesaid Letters Patent should be read with this correction therein that thesame may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Ofiice.

Signed and sealed this 22nd day of October, A. D. 1946.

Patent No. 2,404,697. July 23, 1946.

LESLIE FRAZER,

First Assistant Uommimomr of Patents.

